Nigeria coach, Gernot Rohr has responded to criticism he received after calling up Ahmed Musa to the Super Eagles squad despite not playing competitive club football since October.
Musa is yet to find a new club since he left Saudi Professional League club Al Nassr in October 2020 and he has not played a competitive match since he featured in the Super Eagles’ 4-4 draw against Sierra Leone on November 13.
Earlier this year, Musa was close to returning to the Premier League but his late move to West Bromwich Albion broke down due to lack of funds.
Rohr says Musa is still the team captain and he will only train but won’t play in the upcoming Games against Benin and Lesotho.
“Musa is our captain, and he is a part of the team though he won’t play because he has not been active, but we want to assist him to train and he will also help our team as we prepare for these two important matches,” Rohr told the Caf website.
Rohr disclosed he is anticipating tough games in Porto Novo against the Squirrels and in Lagos against Lesotho on March 27 and 30 respectively despite Nigeria leading the Group L qualifying group with eight points after four matches while Benin trail in second place with seven points
“We want to finish our qualification on a positive note, and the two matches against Benin and Lesotho are very important,” he continued.
“Of course, we know that Benin is difficult to beat after our last game in Uyo (Nigeria won 2-1) and we need at least a point against them to qualify for next year’s Afcon.
“Then, we are playing our final game in Lagos. We want to win in Lagos because it has been a long time since we last played there, and we want to conclude the qualifiers with a victory as well.
“These are not going to be easy matches because Lesotho drew with Benin, but we are going to give our best against these opponents.”
